Woman caused ‘unnecessary suffering’ to her dog

A Coleraine woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her Schnauzer type dog.

Jacqueline Davis, age 50, a resident of the Quickthorn area of Coleraine, was sentenced at Coleraine Magistrates Court, on Friday, April 1, after pleading guilty to causing the unnecessary suffering of a Schnauzer type dog for which she was responsible.

The charges were brought against Ms Davis by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011.

The charges related to findings following an investigation by Animal Welfare Officers regarding offences, which related to a underweight dog whom’s coat was matted in its own faeces and a bloody discharge at its back end.

Upon veterinary examination, it was diagnosed this dog was suffering from a womb infection which was causing a swollen abdomen and a bloody discharge. It was also noted that the dog was underweight and lethargic.

The conditions of the dog were such that to prevent further suffering and pain, upon veterinary advice it was euthanized.

After considering the representations made on behalf of Ms Davis, Deputy District Judge Hamill acknowledged that the defendant had difficult personal circumstances at the time of the offence and imposed a two year conditional discharge and also ordered Davis to pay costs of £166.

A Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council spokesperson said: “Council gives a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and operates a rigorous enforcement policy to ensure full compliance of regulatory requirements.

“Complaints are investigated thoroughly and where necessary formal action is taken, which may include the service of Improvement Notices or, in extreme cases, the seizure of animals. The Council may also prosecute for offences such as in this particularly harrowing case, which I hope serves as a warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals.”